Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation and Relative Genetics Team Up to Reward Participants in Non-Profit DNA-Ancestry Database
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), a non-profit research organization dedicated to fostering global family history research and family connections by building the world's largest database of correlated genetic and genealogical information, and Relative Genetics, a leading global provider of genetic testing solutions for private companies, individuals, family organizations and genealogists, have joined forces to reward family history hobbyists who submit DNA samples and ancestry records for inclusion in the Foundation's rapidly expanding database.
Beginning today, those who submit their DNA sample (obtained with a swish of mouthwash) along with a four-generation pedigree chart to SMGF for inclusion in its database will qualify for a coupon for a steeply discounted price on a sophisticated analysis of their DNA by Relative Genetics laboratory. Those who have already donated their DNA profile and family history to the SMGF database will be eligible for the discount as well. By redeeming the coupon, SMGF participants will be able to obtain a 26 Marker Y-chromosome Paternal Line Analysis on their DNA or a mtDNA Maternal Line Analysis for the price of $95, a savings of approximately 40 percent.
All DNA-pedigree donors also have the satisfaction of participating in a visionary project that is forever changing the way ancestry research is done. The relatively new science of molecular genealogy links individuals to their ancestors using genetic profiles, eliminating guesswork and dead-ends caused by surname changes and missing historical records. Today, a visitor to the SMGF Web site (www.smgf.org) can enter the numerical values from their own Y-chromosome DNA profile into the database's drop-down menus and query a subset of 13,489 individual genetic profiles or genotypes. These Y-chromosome genetic profiles are linked to more than 550,000 individual ancestors representing over 9,400 paternal-line surnames. In total SMGF has collected 60,000 DNA samples from around the world with genealogies linked to over 2.5 million ancestral records. This additional data will be made available in future releases.
The research project is a multi-cultural, multi-racial and ecumenical endeavor that collaborates internationally with diverse universities on a database that includes genetic-genealogy information from around the globe. The goal of genetically mapping humanity's entire family tree in a free online database has an idealistic and visionary purpose. "I believe that if people know how closely related we all are, then we will treat each other better," said James LeVoy Sorenson, a renowned medical device entrepreneur who came up with the idea for the Foundation.
New participants may take advantage of this one-time coupon offer by requesting a kit from http://smgf.org/request_a_free_kit.html. New participants must submit a four-generation pedigree chart along with a mouthwash/saliva sample to qualify for the coupon. Past SMGF participants may take advantage of this offer by filling out and submitting the online form found at http://smgf.org/coupon_request.html.
About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) is a non-profit research organization that collects and analyzes DNA samples in order to create the world's most comprehensive correlated genetic and genealogical database. SMGF's database uses sophisticated DNA analysis to link individuals together, allowing public access to the database while maintaining strict confidentiality of participants' information. Information is available at the Foundation's Web site, http://wwww.website.com/
About Relative Genetics
Relative Genetics (www.relativegenetics.com) provides genetic testing solutions to help genealogists build the branches of their family trees. The company's comprehensive testing services allow private companies, individuals, family organizations and genealogists around the world to establish relationships and identity through DNA testing, genetic interpretation and genealogical analysis. Relative Genetics offers the most complete specialized genetic testing capabilities available under one roof for extended family and ancestral origin testing.
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